Advice needed: 32 S&W short reloading

[bobsdad]

I'd like to reload for my wifes 2nd model Safety Hammerless in 32 S&W short. Ammo, although not impossible, is pretty hard to come by - and I do enjoy reloading. I have about 11 years reloading experience, but never loaded for older stuff like this. Any tips would be appreciated. I do have a couple of sources for load data, but am wondering about bullet diameter (0.312?) for these little beauties, and any other things you think I should be aware of. Sure hoping someone here has experience with this. Maybe I should also post in the antique forum, what do you think? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[robertrwalsh]

My reference (an old lyman manual) shows a bore anywhere from .310 to .313 and recommends using .312 diameter bullets. If I recall you can make brass by cutting down .32 long cases. The base of both is the same.

 

[1066]

I have not loaded the short, but I have had good luck with the Berrys bullets on the 32 S&W Long. I've used both the 96g RNFP lead and the 83g DEWC for my K-32. Both are good bullets, but the lead has been a little more accurate for me.

Here is a link to the website:

http://www.berrysmfg.com/product.aspx?i=14668&c=32&pp=8&sb=0&p=1

http://www.berrysmfg.com/products.aspx?c=9

 

[sjmjax]

I load the .32 SWL but haven't loaded the original .32 S&W... yet.

But here is one load I've found listed. Looks pretty reasonable.

Load 529 in caliber .32 Smith&Wesson

 

[Jellybean]

Other than their small size, they aren't much different than loading any other straight walled case. Try the .312 bullets and if they don't work well slug your chambers and bore, or do that first if you plan on shooting bullseye matches with it.

Look around and you should be able to find commercial cast bullets. There are also bullet moulds available if you want to cast your own. I have used Speers HBWC using data for the S&WL using the same OAL and they work pretty well.

I prefer my Lyman No. 55 powder dispenser for these because of it's ability to consistantly drop very small powder charges. I usually use Bullseye powder myself but I don't try to run them very hot, I have other options for that.

I have also loaded them with FMJ bullets for .32 ACPs, using a Corbin Hand Cannelure tool. They look like pregnant .22 shorts.

They have a lot of potential but remember, they aren't "magnums".

 

[walnutred]

For 32 S&W (short) I load 1.0 gn (dipped, not weighed) of Bullseye under the 90 gn Lee TL bullet. Given that 32 S&W brass can be hard to find I usually reload using 32 ACP brass. You just have to be cautious when ejecting the fired cases so the rim does not slip under the extractor.